September 2014
In Gambia, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community lives in fear. "We will fight these vermin called homosexuals or gays the same way we are fighting malaria-causing mosquitoes - if not more aggressively." These words were spoken by Gambia President Yahya Jammeh, who has a long, public record of attacking LGBTI rights. Consensual sex between same-sex adults is already a crime in Gambia. On August 25, the Gambia National Assembly passed a bill that would allow those convicted of "aggravated homosexuality" to be sentenced to life in prison. This vaguely worded law could enable a wide range of abuses by authorities. Sections of the law are similar to the harsh homophobic legislation that was annulled in Uganda in August. President Jammeh has 30 days to either sign this amendment into law or to reject it. Tell President Jammeh that signing this amendment would be a blatant violation of international law and urge him to reject it. Please act quickly, as President Jammeh has until Friday to respond. Gambia's LGBTI community faces severe discrimination and other abuses, with nowhere to turn. President Jammeh has threatened any Gambians caught fleeing for their safety, stating: "If I catch them, I will kill them." Do not stand by while Gambia's government attempts to spread hate against LGBTI people. Do not allow President Jammeh's leadership to endorse state-sponsored homophobia. Defend the human rights and dignity of LGBTI people in Gambia today. Thank you for defending the rights of all people. Please act by September 19. In solidarity, Adotei Akwei Managing Director, Government Relations Amnesty International USA |
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Demand that Gambia's president reject homophobic law
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